Beirut, Lebanon – US envoy Tom Brack said on Monday that disarmament is a decision that concerns the Lebanese state.
He pointed out that “disarming Hezbollah is in the interest of the Shiites,” as he put it during a press conference in Beirut.
Barak explained, after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, that he discussed the disarmament of Hezbollah with the Lebanese President.
He stressed that “the Lebanese government has taken the first step, and now Israel must go along with that.”
The American envoy added that the Lebanese army will be the security guarantor for the issue of disarming Hezbollah.
He stressed that “Hezbollah cannot take anything without offering something in return.”
Before that, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received American envoys Tom Brack and Morgan Ortagus at the Republican Palace.
US envoy Tom Brack, who is visiting Lebanon for the fourth time, is carrying with him the file of following up on the government’s decision. This decision involves limiting weapons to the state.
UNIFIL renewal file on the table
Sources pointed out that “the Lebanese government will be asked to follow up on its decision regarding weapons by developing a clear plan with an implementation mechanism.” This plan is to be undertaken by the Lebanese army with the support of the international forces (UNIFIL). It aligns with Resolution 1701 and applies throughout Lebanese territory.
Ortagus carries with her the UNIFIL file and the renewal of its mandate.
The sources explained that “Washington wants to renew the international forces for only one year. That is, until the end of 2026, with a call to reduce their numbers and budget.”
Today, Monday, the UN Security Council will hold a session dedicated to UNIFIL in New York, before the final vote next week.
The sources indicated that “France is trying to maintain the presence of international forces in southern Lebanon. This is not just for one year, as Washington wants.”
It is noteworthy that Paris has begun work on drafting the content of the text for the Security Council. This will be approved between August 22 and 25 (August).
Civil war threat
Barak and Ortagus’ visit comes as Hezbollah uses threatening language if the government implements its decision to withdraw its weapons.
The party’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, warned of a civil war. He warned of “death coming to Lebanon if the party’s weapons are damaged.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was quick to respond to Qasim’s threats. He rejected what was said about the government and civil peace.
The Lebanese government has tasked the army with developing a plan on how to inventory weapons. They must submit the plan before the 31st of this month.
